Maddon says rowdy Phillies fans cross line

PHILADELPHIA — Joe Maddon has enjoyed some good-natured ribbing about beer and baseball with fans behind the Rays' dugout.

The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA — Joe Maddon has enjoyed some good-natured ribbing about beer and baseball with fans behind the Rays' dugout.

The Tampa Bay manager, though, was angered when some of that notorious bad behavior by the Philadelphia fans surfaced during Games 3 and 4. Maddon said family members of players and other members of Tampa Bay's organization have been harassed by Phillies fans. He said some fans even threw mustard packets from the concession stands at his granddaughter.

"I know it's been well-documented. I've attended events here as a fan myself," said Maddon, raised about 100 miles outside Philly. "But when it strikes home at your family, then you have to say something. I think somebody has make a stand at some point."

Rays officials have been in touch with the Phillies about tightening security. Maddon said before Game 5 he was hopeful that would improve the hostile situation.

"Throwing mustard packs at my granddaughter is not very cool," Maddon said. "The other part about it I'm good with. If you want to be vociferous with us, I am fine with that. If you want to have arguments about Coors Light vs. Rolling Rock, I'm good with that, but leave the families alone."